Regular 280 or 280 AI

[Swampbuck]

Well I have my parts assembled and was set on building a regular 280 Remington. But I'm reconsidering the 280 AI SAMMI Spec (Nosler Version).

Nosler list their 280 remington brass at $60 per 50 and the 280 AI brass at $85 per 50. I have been told that you can get more firings out of the AI version but I don't know that the price is worth it. I know that game won't know the difference.

I was thinking of shooting the 168 or 175 grain long range accubond.

What says the mob? What would you build?

 

[Evlshnngns]

They both shoot 280 and dies cost the same$. If you want to burn more powder, go Ackley.

 

[jepp2]

My experience with AI's 20-222 (20 Bobcat), 223 AI, and 22-250 AI. Your barrel is going to last a little less and your brass is going to last a little longer. So if you want the most out of the 280, go with the AI.

 

[rudysts]

I have owned both the AI for sure. 160 class bullets over 3000 fps and the 180s going 2850. Nosler brass is good I got over 15 loads on them.

 

[Willie]

I have both. I've shot many animals with the straight 280, mostly with 140s and 162s. It is the supreme medium 7mm, based on my 30+ years of use. Pushing bullets above 160 grs, is for my 7 mag. The Ackley is a fine chambering, but my personal favorite is the tried and true 280 rem.

 

[Ringostar]

If your ordering your own reamer, I would set it up for Lapua 30-06 brass. I myself would even consider 280 RCBS.

 

[Willow]

I run an 280AI in F-Open, good calibre and Norma 280AI brass holds up well, I've made it to 12 reloads so far.

 

[wboggs]

For hunting go with the 7mm mag. For target go with the .284 or one of it's versions. I hunted with a 280 for years when they first came out. My loads from Fred Huntington at RCBC would blow an occasional primer with the 160gr around 2900-3000 fps. No practical difference for hunting between the handloaded 280 or 30-06.

 

[SSL]

Since the .280 is underloaded pressure wise by the industry in deference to the pumps and autos out there, in a bolt or single shot action careful loading can bring it close enough to AI velocities to not really make a lot of difference.

 

[wboggs]

Big advantage of AI is less case stretching. Be sure your throat is long enough, have long magazine box like a m700 has and you are in business. If you want to stretch every fps out of it, go with a larger case. Game cannot tell the difference of 100-150 fps or so. Target shooting is another game.

 

[oldroper]

I have 280AI and I do like it. I also have 284 long action. My 280AI was factory 280 with 24" barrel and I really didn't want 280 and I liked the 284 better.

Brass cost more and you'll use more powder and I'm finding I hunt more with 280AI than I did with 280. I also think if you like 280 build that.

 

[STOMP442]

Nothing wrong with either one but I love Ackley cartridges. I built one on a old 98 Mauser Action with a 26" Benchmark #4 barrel. I am shooting the 168 Berger VLDs at almost 2900 fps. Dropped an elk at 630 yards last September.

 

[muleman69]

I really like my .280AI, 145 barnes LRX at 3220fps is a 1/2" shooter. Shot my Elk at 325 yards ,folded on the spot. Remington 700 action, pac nor barrel,MPI stock Jewel trigger and Swarovski 3.5x18 scope. Right at 7.5 pounds

 

[simo hayha]

7-08AI on a longaction

 

[Barlow]

IMHO the 280 AI is just excellent. Run 160's and have fun. Barlow

 

[300Ultra]

280AI here. I flat love the round. I've had 3 straight up 280s,and the brother in law ran one for years. Shot his first elk with it. A good round no doubt. For me AI-ing the 280 is the best thing since shirt pockets. Now that brass can be had off the shelf. Mine is very forgiving with its diet.

 

[centershot]

I really like my .280AI, 145 barnes LRX at 3220fps is a 1/2" shooter. Shot my Elk at 325 yards ,folded on the spot. Remington 700 action, pac nor barrel,MPI stock Jewel trigger and Swarovski 3.5x18 scope. Right at 7.5 pounds

What powder did you use in that load?

 

[DaveTooley]

Get some RWS 270 brass and expand the necks. You'll be happy for the rest of your life.

https://www.huntingtons.com/store/product.php?productid=20377&cat=275&page=2

 

[ebb]

The second poster said that the dies are the same, they are not but they were way closer than I thought. Optics planet had 280 dies at $35 and 280 AI at $67. At that price I would not care. Price a set of 30 BR dies.

 

[RustyPin]

I would go 7x64 before .280. 280 A.I. is the shegnizzles, but the .280 Sherman or 7 Sniper is more & not on the shelf. IMO anyone who shoots 140 grain should be in the .264" Caliber not the .284" Caliber. Besides if you are Dead Set on 162 - 175 Grain Projectiles you need the Ackley Improved at the very least. I have a .280 RCBS 30 degree Die set and it looks impressive.